A one-of-a-kind air ambulance service has been appointed by the state of Karnataka to quickly transport COVID-19 patients over long distances. Here is what we know so far. By Amitha Ameen
Karnataka launches India’s first state-of-the-art integrated air ambulance service, exclusively to transport critical #COVID19 patients.
This will also be the first air ambulance based in South India, to provide services for medical emergencies. pic.twitter.com/0liPPMVTRT
— Kiran Kumar S (@KiranKS) September 13, 2020
In a joint venture between the International Critical Air Transfer Team (ICATT) and Kyathi, an aviation technology firm, Karnataka has integrated an air ambulance service that will help in emergency long-distance transportation of COVID-19 patients. This new helicopter service along with land ambulance services will ensure the state is covered in terms of connectivity.
The helicopter will be stationed at HAL airport in Bengaluru and the aircraft will ensure timely medical service where needed. Considering the usual traffic situation in the city especially during peak hours, the air ambulance service will cater to critical medical emergencies faster than normal situations.
Karnataka has started Air Ambulance service. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/KIRwJtxoAn
— Twelve (@Burjkhalifa_12) September 8, 2020
The air ambulance was launched by state chief minister B.S. Yediyurappa on Tuesday and comes equipped with a state-of-the-art German Isolation Pod that will ensure maximum safety during COVID-19 patient transportation. This new helicopter will be the first-ever air ambulance based out of South India that will increase response time and help avoid traffic congestion.
“The introduction of ICATT-Kyathi’s integrated air ambulance service will ensure not only quick medical assistance but also high-quality care delivered by senior doctors and paramedics trained in critical care while in flight,” said the Chief Minister during the inaugural event. (As reported on Bangalore Mirror)
ICATT is a service that comprises emergency medical service experts who are certified in Fellowship in Aero Medicine (FAM) to handle critical care, and in this year alone the team has managed to successfully complete 63 domestic and 10 international transfers, and seven organ transfers. The team also played a significant role during the 2018 Kerala floods.
Related: Karnataka Scraps Travel Curbs: No More E-Pass, Quarantine Or COVID-19 Tests Required
